SOP: PC Setup & Optimization

Document Type: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Version: 1.0
Status: Approved for Use
Audience: Technician + Client
Confidentiality: Internal / Client Delivery
Platforms Supported: Windows 10/11, Linux (Ubuntu/Pop!_OS)

1. Purpose

To provide comprehensive PC setup, optimization, and customization services, including OS installation, software configuration, performance tuning, and aesthetic customization for optimal user experience.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to:

New PC setup and configuration
Performance optimization and tuning
Software installation and configuration
Bloatware removal and system cleanup
Custom themes and aesthetic customization
Both remote and in-person service delivery

Not included:

Hardware upgrades or modifications
Data recovery services
Long-term technical support beyond 30 days
Complex network configuration

3. Responsibilities

Technician Responsibilities

Assess current system state and performance
Remove bloatware and optimize system settings
Install and configure requested software
Implement performance optimizations
Create custom themes and aesthetic configurations
Document changes and provide client training

Client Responsibilities

Provide admin access to system
Specify software requirements and preferences
Approve aesthetic choices and customizations
Backup important data before service (recommended)

4. Requirements

4.1 System Requirements

Windows 10/11 or Linux distribution
Minimum 8GB RAM (16GB+ recommended)
50GB+ free storage space
Stable internet connection for downloads

4.2 Required Tools

Remote access software (AnyDesk/TeamViewer for remote service)
Administrative credentials
List of preferred software and customizations
External storage for backups (optional)

4.3 Software Suite Options

Essential Software:

Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Security software (Malwarebytes, Windows Defender)
Productivity tools (LibreOffice, 7-Zip)
Communication apps (Discord, Slack, Zoom)

Gaming/Entertainment:

Steam, Epic Games Launcher
VLC Media Player, OBS Studio
Discord, CurseForge/Overwolf

Productivity/Creative:

Adobe Creative Cloud (if licensed)
DaVinci Resolve, GIMP
VS Code, Git

5. Procedure — Initial System Assessment

5.1 System Information Gathering

Hardware Assessment
- Check CPU, RAM, and storage specifications
- Identify GPU model and driver version
- Assess available storage space
- Note any hardware-specific features
Software Inventory
- List currently installed applications
- Identify manufacturer bloatware
- Check for unnecessary startup programs
- Review Windows version and update status
Performance Baseline
- Check current boot time
- Assess system responsiveness
- Monitor resource usage at idle
- Note any obvious performance issues

6. Procedure — System Cleanup and Optimization

6.1 Bloatware Removal (Windows)

Manufacturer Software Removal
- Uninstall manufacturer utilities (HP Support Assistant, Dell SupportAssist)
- Remove pre-installed antivirus trials (Norton, McAfee)
- Delete manufacturer-branded applications
- Remove unnecessary system utilities
Windows Store Apps Cleanup
- Remove pre-installed games (Candy Crush, etc.)
- Delete unnecessary productivity apps
- Keep essential apps (Calculator, Photos, Store)
- Remove advertising and promotional apps
Startup Program Management
- Open Task Manager > Startup tab
- Disable non-essential startup programs
- Keep security software and essential drivers
- Review background processes

6.2 Privacy and Telemetry Configuration

Windows Privacy Settings
- Disable advertising ID
- Turn off location tracking
- Disable diagnostic data collection
- Configure app permissions
Cortana and Search Configuration
- Disable Cortana (if not used)
- Configure Windows Search privacy
- Disable web search in Start Menu
- Configure search indexing
OneDrive and Sync Settings
- Disable automatic OneDrive setup (if not requested)
- Configure sync preferences
- Remove OneDrive folders from File Explorer (if desired)

7. Procedure — Driver Updates and System Configuration

7.1 Driver Updates

Chipset Drivers
- Download from manufacturer website
- Install latest chipset drivers
- Restart system after installation
GPU Drivers
- Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) for clean installation
- Download latest drivers from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel
- Perform clean installation
- Configure GPU settings
Peripheral Drivers
- Update audio drivers
- Install latest network drivers
- Update motherboard BIOS if critical
- Install peripheral-specific drivers

7.2 System Performance Configuration

Power Settings
- Set power plan to High Performance (desktops)
- Configure Balanced plan for laptops
- Disable sleep modes if desired
- Configure display timeout
Visual Effects Optimization
- Adjust for best performance
- Disable unnecessary animations
- Configure transparency effects
- Optimize visual settings
Memory and Storage Optimization
- Configure virtual memory settings
- Optimize SSD settings (TRIM, defragmentation)
- Configure storage sense
- Set up automatic cleanup

8. Procedure — Software Installation and Configuration

8.1 Essential Software Installation

Web Browser Setup
- Install preferred browser
- Import bookmarks and settings
- Install essential extensions
- Configure default browser
Security Software
- Install Malwarebytes
- Configure Windows Defender
- Set up automatic scans
- Configure firewall settings
Productivity Tools
- Install office suite (LibreOffice or Microsoft 365)
- Set up compression software (7-Zip)
- Install PDF reader
- Configure cloud storage

8.2 Specialized Software Installation

Gaming Software
- Install Steam and configure library
- Install Epic Games Launcher
- Set up Discord with optimal settings
- Install gaming overlays and utilities
Creative Software
- Install requested creative applications
- Configure hardware acceleration
- Set up project folders and templates
- Configure export settings
Development Tools
- Install code editors and IDEs
- Set up version control (Git)
- Configure development environments
- Install necessary extensions and plugins

9. Procedure — Performance Tuning and Optimization

9.1 GPU Optimization

MSI Afterburner Configuration
- Install MSI Afterburner
- Configure fan curves for optimal cooling
- Set up overclocking profiles (if requested)
- Monitor temperatures and performance
Graphics Settings
- Configure NVIDIA/AMD control panel settings
- Optimize for performance vs. quality
- Set up display scaling and resolution
- Configure multiple monitor setups

9.2 System Monitoring

Performance Monitoring Tools
- Install HWiNFO64 for hardware monitoring
- Set up Task Manager for resource monitoring
- Configure Resource Monitor
- Set up temperature monitoring
Automated Maintenance
- Configure Windows Update settings
- Set up automatic disk cleanup
- Configure defragmentation schedule
- Set up system restore points

10. Procedure — Custom Themes and Aesthetics

10.1 Visual Customization

Wallpaper and Themes
- Install client-provided wallpapers
- Select appropriate Windows theme
- Configure dark/light mode preferences
- Set up slideshow or static wallpaper
Cursor and Icons
- Install custom cursor packs
- Configure icon size and spacing
- Set up desktop icon layout
- Configure taskbar appearance
RGB and Lighting
- Configure motherboard RGB software
- Set up GPU lighting effects
- Configure peripheral RGB (keyboard, mouse)
- Create lighting profiles

10.2 User Interface Optimization

Taskbar Configuration
- Pin frequently used applications
- Configure taskbar size and position
- Set up system tray icons
- Configure notification settings
Start Menu Customization
- Organize Start Menu tiles
- Pin essential applications
- Remove unnecessary tiles
- Configure Start Menu layout
Desktop Organization
- Create organized folder structure
- Set up desktop shortcuts
- Configure desktop icons
- Organize files and documents

11. Procedure — Final Validation and Testing

11.1 Performance Testing

Benchmark Testing
- Run UserBenchmark for overall assessment
- Test boot time optimization
- Verify application launch speeds
- Check gaming performance (if applicable)
Temperature Monitoring
- Monitor CPU temperatures under load
- Check GPU temperatures
- Verify fan curves are working
- Ensure no thermal throttling
Stability Testing
- Test system stability under load
- Verify all applications launch correctly
- Check for crashes or errors
- Validate network connectivity

11.2 Client Validation

Functionality Verification
- Demonstrate optimized performance
- Show custom themes and configurations
- Verify installed software works correctly
- Confirm all client requirements met
Training and Documentation
- Explain changes made to system
- Provide maintenance recommendations
- Document custom configurations
- Explain how to maintain optimizations

12. Validation / Verification

Technician verifies:

System boots faster and responds more quickly
All requested software is installed and configured
Bloatware has been removed and privacy settings configured
Custom themes and aesthetics meet client preferences
System temperatures are within safe limits

Client verifies:

System performance meets expectations
Customizations match preferences
All required software is functional
Understanding of maintenance procedures

13. Troubleshooting (Common)

Problem	Cause	Fix
Slow boot after optimization	Too many startup programs	Review and disable additional startup items
Software not working	Compatibility issues	Update software or find alternatives
High temperatures	Poor airflow or overclocking	Adjust fan curves or reduce overclock
Customizations not applying	Permission issues	Run as administrator or check settings
Network connectivity issues	Driver problems	Reinstall network drivers

14. Maintenance

Run disk cleanup weekly
Update software monthly
Monitor temperatures weekly
Create system restore points monthly
Reapply optimizations after major updates

15. Notes / Warnings

Always create system restore point before making changes
Backup important data before optimization
Some optimizations may affect battery life on laptops
Custom themes may impact system performance slightly
Always test stability after overclocking changes

16. Revision Control

Version: 1.0
Editor: Wizard Tech Services
Next Review: Within 90 Days